History
Swedish immigrants started arriving in the later part of the 19th century and found the Midwest, especially Iowa, suited to their lifestyle and familiar climate choice. On September 25, 1868 a meeting was called to organize a congregation; Pastor Malmberg from Swede Bend (now Stratford) was invited to preside. C.J. Damstrom was elected to act as secretary. Fifty adults and forty-nine children elected to form the Swede Valley Church in Moingona, Iowa. Starting in 1869 the newly formed congregation held worship services in homes and rented buildings. It wasn’t until 1880 that a place was settled on that became the location of the present church (south of Ogden, Iowa). There was a disagreement in regard to the construction of the church building. But the church records of March 2, 1883 state, “There was no appeasement. But God who directs all things, even directed this for the best, for a cyclone came June 17, 1882. This took the old church and with it the object of the quarrel. The new church was finished in better harmony and accord and was consecrated in 1882”. In 1887 a parsonage was built next to the church at a cost under $400. In 1889 the basement was dug and a coal furnace was installed. In 1906 the western part of the church was added along with the altar rail, baptismal font, and pulpit. In 1910 the Luther League donated $300 for construction of stables across the road for holding horses and buggies during church events. In 1917 the pipe organ (that was hand-pumped) was shipped from California. In 1921 the church received the altar painting by Jonas Olof Grafstrom (restored in 2017 by Jim Stathopoulos). In 1957 a new furnace, indoor plumbing, and electricity for the pipe organ was installed. In 1997 the Swede Valley congregation merged with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ogden due to declining attendance. Today, though, Swede Valley is still vibrant with worship every year in June and July. It is also used for weddings, funeral, family reunions, and other special events. We are very proud of our heritage and all that Swede Valley can offer to the community.
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Join us for worship in June and July at 10:30am!We are located south of Ogden on Hwy 169.
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